New study for the predictability of back pain and dysfunction…
In this month’s Pulse magazine, recent research suggests that x-raying dachshunds at approximately 2 years of age is a good method of predict the possibility of future disc herniations and intervertebral disc disease.
The OFA and Penn Hips are well known and widely used radiographic ways to evaluate dogs like retriever breeds for the future possibility of hip dysplasia. The use of x-rays with chondrodystrophic dogs could function in the same manner as the above “diseases” are primarily genetic.
The article goes on to state that the incidence of disc herniation in “doxies” is 18% which is significant. Therefore, x-rays can be a cost-effective, non-invasive tool for owners of chondrodystrophic dogs to gain specific health knowledge of their dogs!
Dog breeds such as corgis, cocker spaniels, and “doxies” are called chondrodystrophic because of the shape of their bones. The breeds are described as having disproportionate legs (dwarfism) in relation to the rest of their body mass which makes it appear as their spines are abnormally long.
The incidence of spinal issues with these dogs is high when compared to other breed-types especially. Left untreated, such dysfunctions can most certainly compromise their quality of life and function when problems like pain, incontinence and even paralysis occur.
Using x-rays as discussed in the article listed in Pulse (from JVMA 2008; 233:1090-1095), may not only help to determine which dogs would be suitable for breeding programs but which ones will need early preventive measures to maintain healthy spines.
Some rehab methods we employ for dogs at risk or diagnosed with disc degeneration include, but are not limited to: core strengthening, weight control & restricted jumping activities (i.e., on/off the bed)!
